Brazil added 4.2 GW of distributed solar in H1
Brazil’s distributed PV systems, including installations up to 5 MW in size, have surpassed 22 GW of cumulative capacity. By the end of June, more than 2 million arrays had been deployed nationwide.
South African government sets requirements for solar rebates
South African individuals and homeowners can now claim rebates of up to 25% of their solar panel costs, up to a maximum of ZAR 15,000 ($800). Recent changes to the solar rebate scheme specify that the panels must have a minimum output of 275 W. They can be installed as part of new or existing systems.
First Solar secures 1 GW module order
Capital Power will purchase thin-film solar modules from First Solar for projects across North America, with deliveries to start in 2026.
LEAG plans 950 MW power-to-gas plant at lignite mine
LEAG, Germany’s second largest energy supplier, is planning a power-to-X project to produce hydrogen, store waste heat, generate electricity, and supply buses with hydrogen. The plant will also have a thermal solid-state storage facility with a capacity of 1,000 MWh.
Indian startup releases new hybrid wind-solar street light system
India’s WindStream Energy Technologies has developed a hybrid wind-solar street light system for hilly, coastal, and rural areas.
GCL-Si set to start production at 20 GW of solar cell factory in China
GLS-Si has invested CNY 8 billion ($1.1 billion) in a new cell factory in Wuhu, China. It said manufacturing activities will start in August.
New study finds growing inequality in metal footprints of renewable power value chains
A US-Chinese research team has investigated the flow of iron, copper, aluminum, and other precious metals from source to end-use destination in the renewable energy infrastructure value chain. It found significant imbalances that can be attributed to the continuous outsourcing of metal demand for the renewable power sector to developing economies.
Conquering change: Artificial Intelligence and how to be future ready
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies presents a big opportunity for the energy industry. AI and the language of the input query provide us with a powerful tool against incorrect information.
Commercial laser treatment to boost perovskite solar cell performance
European scientists used a nanosecond pulsed ultraviolet laser to reduce surface defects in perovskite films for solar cell applications. The result is a significant increase in cell efficiency and stability. The new technique may be particularly suitable for roll-to-roll (R2R) production lines.
CEE Group, Goldbeck switches on 155 MW solar plant in Germany
Goldbeck and CEE Group say that their new 155 MW solar plant is now selling electricity to Engie under a 10-year power purchase agreement. The project is located on a former agricultural site.
